The Office of Naval Research coordinates, executes and promotes the science and technology programs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
The grant program focuses on supporting Manufacturing Technology projects that offer potential for the advancement and improvement of military operations, addressing the focus areas of the DoD ManTech Program and the DoD-managed Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. It aims to encourage market expansion and the development of components and systems using new high-performing materials across various industries including defense, aerospace, automotive, energy, and consumer products. The effort emphasizes projects that advance systems engineering approaches for the design and manufacturing of structural components to meet challenges in weight, performance, affordability, and survivability. This includes integrating materials information with product performance and manufacturing process simulation, fostering collaboration among materials designers, suppliers, product designers, and manufacturers. Projects can range from basic and applied research to technology and component development, prototyping, supply-chain technical support, workforce development, and manufacturing education.